OSHA Issues New Silica Rule Guides

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently released more than a dozen fact sheets related to the respirable crystalline silica standard for construction, with a focus on informing employers on how to properly implement controls, respiratory protection and work practices.

New Fact Sheets

The fact sheets cover more specific topics such as handling dust controls for crushing machines, dowel drilling rigs and drivable saws. This feeds into the overall theme of these fact sheets—controlling silica dust in construction.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently released more than a dozen fact sheets related to the respirable crystalline silica standard for construction, with a focus on informing employers on how to properly implement controls, respiratory protection and work practices.

The new fact sheets also include information on heavy equipment used during demolition; heavy equipment used for grading and excavating; small and large drivable drilling machines; rig-mounted core saws; vehicle-mounted drilling rigs and walk-behind milling machines and floor grinders.

Controlling silica dust when it comes to crushing machines should involve the use of mist for dust suppression, notes OSHA in the related fact sheet. Other wet spray methods can help reduce the silica exposure levels of those working near the machine. The crusher must also be maintained to manufacturer specifications for the best safety performance.

Dowel drilling rigs for concrete need to be equipped with a vacuum dust-collection system, which can help reduce silica exposure. VDCS’s include a dust collector, vacuum, hose and filters.

As for drivable saws, OSHA advises the use of wet cutting to reduce exposure to silica dust. Slurry must be cleaned up before it dries. If this is not done, dried slurry can release silica dust into the air.